New York to Vermont to New Hampshire

Crossing the Erie Canal
We pulled out of Niagara Falls on Friday, June 14 and have arrived in Lincoln, New Hampshire for a final rest day.  This has been eight consecutive riding days, the longest of the trip.  Everyone was ready for a break before the final push to the Atlantic.

 During the past eight days we've seen Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.  We've ridden through farm country and seen many large dairy operations in the East along with large fields of hay.  

Vermont dairy farm
Hay is blown into wagons instead of baled
One of the SAG stops was at a bison ranch.  Those folks just shook their heads at us, but I'd say their work is muchharder than ours.  We've been through small towns and cities and enjoyed so much beauty along the way that it's impossible to describe, and the photos just don't do it justice.  You have to get out here.  You have to see it; and, most importantly, you have to experience it in whatever way you choose.

Bison at the Adirondack Buffalo Co.
















Peonies
Cornwall, Vermont fire station



Green Mountains in Vermont












We were hosted at the offices of the tour company, WomanTours, when we rode through Rochester, New York.  Staff took personal time to feed the group and give tours of the office.  It was nice to meet the people many have talked to many times on the phone.

 There have been sunny, beautiful days and additional days of rain; but so far no additional brutal cold and nothing overly hot.  We've seen the effect of Mother Nature with two road closures in one day due to wash outs.  Riders were able to get through. The van, trailer and SAG had to find another route that would intercept with the riders.

 Generally, we've experienced the good in people all along the way, with only a few cranky drivers and construction workers.  There have been inn keepers who want to do everything they can to accommodate whatever we need.  There are folks we meet in parking lots that want to help put bikes up or take bikes down, until they realize this is the routine.  There are business proprietors who have provided treats, just because.  And then, the local folks offering shelter from a storm to these biking strangers.

 We leave Lincoln on Sunday and will arrive in Bar Harbor on Wednesday.  The days are winding down, and everyone needs to stay focused for a safe arrival.  I'll post again when we get to the end.

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